The Pflugerville Parkway Medical Office Building features a metal roof, a TPO roof, metal wall panels, soffit, fascia, gutters and downspouts. The new construction project was perfect for Texas Traditions Roofing, which prides itself on its versatility and quality craftsmanship.

Headquartered in
Georgetown, Texas, the company handles a variety of commercial and residential
work. “Residentially we do replacements and custom home new construction,” says
Michael Pickel, estimator, Texas Traditions. “On the commercial side, we do
mostly new construction, but we also do commercial repair and replacement as
well.”

Pickel was the
estimator on the project, but he feels the term “estimate” doesn’t begin to
cover what his job entails. “We want to be the experts and provide all of the
information for the general contractor, rather than just throwing an estimate
at them,” he says. “We take that responsibility very seriously, whether it’s
residential or commercial. We don’t necessarily like the word ‘estimate’
because it sounds like you’re guessing and just hoping it’s right. We
understand that commercial new construction involves an estimate, but what we
try to do is just be very specific and clearly define what we’re going to be
doing, how we’re going to be doing it, and what the manufacturer and what the NRCA
recommends us to do. That way nothing is incorrect, it’s not going to leak,
obviously, and you have the backing of the manufacturer because it was
installed properly.”

Multiple Systems

The scopes of work
included two sections of metal roofing — a peaked section in the middle of
the main roof and a shed roof off to one side of the building. A TPO roof
system was applied over the main roof on either side of the metal roof in the
center. “We started with the metal roofing panels on the top first, and then
worked our way down to the lower section on the side,” Pickel notes. “Shortly
after that, we came back and installed the TPO roof. It was pretty open, so it
was fairly easy to put that down.”

The low-slope roof sections were covered with a 60-mil TPO system manufactured by GAF. Photos: Texas Traditions Roofing

The metal roof system manufactured by Sheffield Metals features 1.5-inch Snaplock 450 Panels in Ash Grey. Approximately 4,000 square feet of roof panels were installed over two layers of 2.2-inch polyiso insulation, which was mechanically attached. The underlayment used was Viking Armor from Viking Barriers.

The 6,000-square-foot low-slope roof was topped with a 60-mil TPO system manufactured by GAF. First, two layers of 2.2-inch polysio were mechanically attached to reach R-25. A tapered insulation system was then fully adhered across the entire roof to ensure proper drainage.

The safety plan utilized
a Raptor safety cart, which was lifted to the roof with a SkyTrak. “The Raptor
system was either on the left or right side of the roof, depending what side we
were working on,” Pickel says. “Any time workers were on the roof, they were
tied off.”

After the roofs were completed, the focus shifted to the wall panels. Berridge Vee Panels in Charcoal Grey were installed using a man lift. “We put Z-purlins down horizontally over the vapor barrier,” notes Pickel. “Then we installed the 1-inch, four-by-four mineral wool insulation, and attached our panels over that.”

Metal crews also
installed 11-inch fascia across the entire edge of the roof, including both the
metal and TPO sections. “There are some tricks involved with that because it
was a fully tapered TPO system, so your height differences can vary,” Pickel
explains. “Making sure the fascia wrapped smooth and properly, and was the
proper height, was a little tricky.”

Gutters were not
originally specified, but they were added at the suggestion of Texas
Traditions. “We talked to the G.C. about talking to the owner because we felt
they were going to want gutters,” Pickel recalls. “They came back to us and said
they wanted gutters, so we issued a change order for it.”

The company
installed 6-inch box gutters and four-by-four downspouts matching the metal
roof.

A Challenging Schedule

The jobsite was
relatively open, accessible and easy to navigate, so some typical problems that
can crop up with new construction projects weren’t a big issue. The HVAC units
were installed on a pad within a fenced-in area on the ground, minimizing roof
penetrations as well as foot traffic on the roof. Crews were able to focus on doing
the job right — and doing it safely. “Installation-wise, it wasn’t too tricky,”
Pickel notes. “We just had to ensure that everything was installed to the
manufacturer’s requirements.”

Manpower and scheduling posed the toughest hurdles, notes Pickel, but the general contractor, Lott Brothers of Austin, Texas, did a great job of keeping everyone on the same page. “We had weekly mandatory meetings that were set up by the G.C., and it was very helpful for us and other trades as well,” Pickel says. “Having to coordinate multiple trips is very common with new construction, unfortunately, but it’s great that we are able to do so much work. We did everything down to the gutters and downspouts — the full system — but it takes a lot of coordination and scheduling of the crews, especially when you have other jobs as well.”

One advantage of
the multiple scopes of work was that Texas Traditions crews didn’t have to
worry about coordinating transition details with crews from other companies.
“It’s also nice for the owner,” Pickel adds. “If they have any issues or if
they have any questions, they know the roofer did every bit of the metal on
this job, and all of the TPO roof, and they know who to contact.”

Versatility is one
of the company’s strengths, and for that Pickel credits the experience of the
company’s owners, including his father, co-owner Mike Pickel, who has more than
30 years of experience in the construction industry, including 20 years working
for a general contractor.

“He understands
the complexity of coordinating multiple trades because he did it for so long
from a G.C. perspective,” Pickel says. “His ability to know what needs to be
done when allows us to be more effective and more efficient with our time. It
allows us to be the expert in front of a general contractor because he was a
general contractor. He worked with superintendents. He worked with multiple
trades. His ability, knowledge and expertise within our company allows us to be
the roofing expert.”

Texas Traditions strives to make the best use of that wealth of knowledge. “Each job is treated with care,” Pickel says. “It’s treated with expertise because it’s not just another job — it’s someone’s home, it’s someone’s office. We do apartment complexes, we do office buildings, we do residential homes, we do churches. Mike treats it with care, and it trickles down to everyone else to treat it with care as well.”

GAF, a Standard Industries
company, announced the restart of its glass mat plant in Shafter, California,
following a multi-million dollar upgrade to the facility. The plant produces a
fiberglass substrate called glass mat, a key component in manufacturing rooftop
shingles, which are also produced by GAF in Shafter.

“We are thrilled to bring
the glass mat plant at our Shafter facility back online to support increasing
demand for high-quality roofing solutions,” said Jim Schnepper, President of
GAF. “We have been proud members of the Shafter community for many years, and
are pleased to continue investing in our people and the places where they work
and live to help drive the roofing industry forward.”

“As an employer in
Shafter, we could not be happier to support our community and our talented team
as the glass mat plant begins to operate at full capacity once again,” said
Nigel Abraham, Shafter General Manager, GAF. “This represents our commitment to
our community and our customers, and we are excited to play a bigger role in
our local economy and the roofing industry.”

GAF announced the appointment of Brian Kimber as Executive Vice President of Sales. In this newly created role, Brian is responsible for strategic leadership, management, and development of GAF’s entire sales organization.

Kimber is an accomplished business leader who has driven substantial growth, built industry-leading sales teams and established winning sales cultures at all levels of the GAF sales organization. He brings more than 30 years of roofing industry experience to the role, including over 20 years in sales leadership at GAF. Most recently, Kimber led GAF’s residential sales team for eight years.

“Brian is a relationship-driven leader who is well-regarded throughout the roofing industry for his deep understanding of our customers and what drives their success,” said Jim Schnepper, president, GAF. “These proven skills—and his track record for driving growth—are the hallmarks of great sales leadership. I am incredibly proud to name Brian to this critical role as we continue to expand in both the residential and commercial roofing markets.”

Jim Durkin to Lead Residential Sales

GAF also announced the appointment of Jim Durkin to Senior Vice President, Steep Slope Systems Sales, succeeding Brian Kimber in his previous role. Durkin is now responsible for the continued sales growth of GAF’s residential roofing business. He previously led National Accounts and Canada sales, which he will continue to oversee in this new capacity.

Durkin joined GAF in 2000 and has held regional and national leadership positions for both residential and commercial roofing sales. Since 2010, he has been responsible for GAF’s successful retail sales strategy, which has contributed significantly to the company’s growth.

“Jim brings a wealth of experience and an incredible run of success to his new role,” Schnepper said. “GAF has worked very hard over time to develop a team of talented leaders like Jim who have a laser-focus on exceeding our customers’ expectations. Jim sets the tone—and we are confident that this customer-centric approach will lead to continued success for GAF in the residential roofing market.”

Standard Industries announced the launch of GAF Energy, a new company that aims to revolutionize the adoption of rooftop solar for everyday consumers.Working in partnership with GAF, a Standard Industries company and the largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer in North America, GAF Energy will drive scalable adoption of integrated and affordable rooftop solar solutions across GAF’s established distribution network. Customers will benefit from a streamlined, turnkey approach to going solar when selecting GAF Energy, from planning and financing, to installation and permitting with utilities.

“As the largest global player in roofing and waterproofing, we will reshape the way clean solar energy becomes a reality for everyone,” said David Millstone, co-CEO of Standard Industries. “We believe that roofing is real estate and we see a future with energy from every roof. GAF Energy’s offerings will empower people to put their roofs to work with technology that is attractive, accessible and affordable.”

GAF Energy empowers roofing contractors across the United States with a comprehensive and economical approach to solar installations, bypassing the high-cost of customer acquisition most pure solar technology companies face today. With dedicated support teams and training for project management, design, permitting and installation of GAF Energy’s integrated solar roofs, local and regional contractors can effectively grow their businesses while meeting demand for more clean and sustainable sources of energy.

“We are best positioned to accelerate the growth of residential solar with over a century of waterproofing experience and the largest network of roofing distributors and contractors in the world. Our team is in the kitchen with the homeowner at the moment a new roof is required: the most perfect time to provide the opportunity to go green. We couldn’t be more excited to have Martin DeBono and a world class team lead the evolution of rooftop solar for years to come,” said David Winter, co-CEO of Standard Industries.

“GAF Energy capitalizes on the historic challenges facing the rooftop solar industry — acquisition and installation costs — and turns them into demonstrable strengths, making it easy for customers to say ‘yes’ to solar rooftops,” said Martin DeBono, President of GAF Energy. “Our product is smart, integrated and economical, and we hope it will mark a fundamental shift in rooftop solar adoption around the world.”

With offices in the San Francisco Bay Area and New York Metro Area, GAF Energy is building a world-class team to generate Energy From Every Roof. Learn more about some of the new opportunities at GAF Energy by visiting our careers page, and join us in forging the future of rooftop solar.

GAF announced that Pete Vollmar has been appointed Senior Vice President, Commercial Systems Sales, responsible for strategic leadership, management, and development of the commercial sales organization.

Vollmar joined GAF in 1994 and brings extensive leadership experience to the role, having served as the head of commercial sales in the Northeast and most recently as the head of field sales operations and special channels. Prior to these sales leadership roles, Pete held senior roles in logistics, customer service, warranty claims and inside sales.

“Pete’s broad experience and intimate knowledge of the market position him very well to deliver an outstanding experience for our commercial customers and accelerate our growth in the commercial roofing market,” said Jim Schnepper, president of GAF. “Pete’s expertise and vision are well-matched for the opportunity in front of us and we are incredibly excited to name him to this important leadership role.”

The following product roundup features the Top 40 products of the year, as chosen by the readers of Roofing magazine. The products were selected based on the number of reader requests for sales leads through the Reader Action Card in the print issue and the number of clicks on the website, www.RoofingMagazine.com, including those generated through our monthly e-newsletter. The product generating the most leads from each print issue is also featured as our “Roofers’ Choice” product, and the 2018 winners are also included here. If you have a new product you’d like us to consider for a future edition of our Materials & Gadgets section, please email Editor-in-Chief Chris King at chris@roofingmagazine.com.

Roof Leveling Compound Helps Eliminate Ponding Water

GreenSlope is a roof leveling compound that helps eliminate water ponding areas on flat rooftops. The cured material is similar to that of a professional running track or playground surface and can withstand tough climates as well as heavy foot traffic. According to the manufacturer, the product is designed to fill in low areas and bring the roof back to its original slope, directing water toward drainage areas. It is designed for use on EPDM, TPO, PVC, modified bitumen and metal roofs. Made from EPDM, GreenSlope is lightweight, durable, and able to withstand freeze-thaw cycles. Other uses include protecting curbs, filling low areas near drains, establishing walk pads and filling pitch pans. Greenslope.co

New Product Line Secures Rooftop Pipes and Struts

Green Link introduces a family of custom-engineered, molded straps and caps for securing pipes and struts for its KnuckleHead rooftop support product line. Straps have been designed for both Heavy Pipe and Strut Support KnuckleHeads, while a cap design was developed for Lite Pipe Supports. All are molded from tough, weatherproof urethane and feature a striking “safety yellow” color. The Heavy Pipe KnuckleHead strap secures a 3-inch outside diameter pipe, while the Strut Support strap fits steel or aluminum Unistrut-type channel. The Lite Pipe Support cap is designed to secure a single 1-inch nominal pipe or two ½-inch nominal pipes. The Strut Support straps are available in nominal pipe sizes ranging from ¼ inch to 6 inches. www.Greenlinkengineering.com

Stainless Steel Bi-Metal Drill Screws Are Corrosion Resistant

Triangle Fastener Corporation introduces a full line of 304 stainless steel bi-metal self-drilling screws. Bi-metal screws have heads and threads made of 304 stainless steel, providing corrosion resistance and ductility. A hardened carbon steel drill point welded to a stainless steel body allows the screw to drill and tap steel up to 1/2 inch thick. The screws are used to attach aluminum, stainless steel, insulated metal panels (IMPs) and when ductility is needed in the connection. They are available in #12 and 1/4-inch diameters in lengths up to 12 inches. Head styles include: hex washer head, pancake head and button head. www.Trianglefastener.com

Insulation Board Contains No Halogenated Compounds

GAF introduces a new non-halogen polyisocyanurate insulation: EnergyGuard NH Polyiso Insulation Board. According to the manufacturer, the development of EnergyGuard NH Polyiso Insulation Board demonstrates the GAF commitment to providing architects, contractors, and building owners with affordable products that help them meet their sustainable and environmental design goals, by offering products that do not contain halogenated compounds. As with their current EnergyGuard Polyiso Insulation, this product line offers high insulating values to help save on energy costs and is available in a variety of thicknesses. Easy cutting in the field provides the installer with simple fabricating on the roof deck. www.GAF.com

Pre-Weathered Fastener Matches Corten Panels

Lakeside Construction Fasteners offers the new high-strength COR-10 WOOD-Xfastener, which is engineered to secure Corten metal panels into hardwood decking substrates. It is pre-weathered for an exact Corten metal panel color match, eliminating the need to wait for fasteners to be painted or weathered to match. The fastener is available in sizes from 1 inch to 3 inches, and it features an EPDM washer to ensure a sealed protective barrier. According to the manufacturer, its high-low threads and sharp T-17 cut point allows the fastener to quickly penetrate the Corten metal panel for low-cost installation. www.Lakeside-Fasteners.com

Insulation Board Designed for High Load-Bearing Applications

Kingspan Insulation has expanded its commercial product offering by introducing GreenGuard Type VII XPS Insulation Board. The product is designed for high load-bearing engineered applications requiring insulation with a minimum compressive strength of 60 psi. Type VII XPS is primarily used in commercial roofing applications, such as protected membrane and pedestal paver systems. According to the manufacturer, the insulation board offers an R-value of 5.0 per inch of thickness and meets ASTM C578 Type VII requirements. The product retains its insulating properties over time, has high water resistance and is HCFC-free. Kingspaninsulation.us

Portable RhinoBond Hand Welder Designed for Use in Tight Spaces

OMG Roofing Products introduces the RhinoBond Hand Welder. Based on patented Sinch Technology, the portable RhinoBond Hand Welder is designed to help roofers weld RhinoBond Plates in tight spaces, such as under raised rooftop equipment, and on vertical surfaces. The ergonomically designed tool features a vibrating handle and an indicator light that lets roofers know when the tool is activated and when the weld cycle is complete. The base is recessed and features centering indicator lines to help usersproperly align the tool over installed RhinoBond Plates for optimum bonding and improved productivity. www.OMGRoofing.com

High-Visibility Primer Improves Adhesion for Acrylic Coatings

KM Coatings offers KM SP 1000, a VOC-compliant, solvent-based primer designed to improve the adhesion of acrylic coatings to most aged TPO and PVC membranes. According to the manufacturer, using this primer with a KM-approved acrylic coating provides excellent coverage and long-term protection. Its orange color enables strong identification for the applicator to achieve complete monolithic surface application. www.KMcoatings.us

Two-Component SPF Adhesive Provides More Coverage

Soprema introduces a low-pressure, two-component spray polyurethane foam (SPF) adhesive to its DUOTACK family of roofing adhesive products. DUOTACK SPF was designed to provide quick, efficient adhesion of PVC membranes, insulation and cover boards to approved substrates. According to the manufacturer, the product was developed by Soprema chemists with vast knowledge and experience in the roofing and polyurethane foam industry to provide 50 percent more coverage and a faster flow rate than competing products. It also has usability in multiple applications without the need for extensive inventory and expensive equipment, like pace carts. www.Soprema.us

Adhesive-Free Attachment System Eliminates Temperature Restrictions

Carlisle SynTec Systems introduces its RapidLock (RL) Roofing System. This adhesive-free system uses VELCRO Brand Securable Solutions to fully attach 115-mil FleeceBACK RL EPDM or FleeceBACK RL TPO to InsulBase RL or SecurShield HD RL polyiso insulation. According to the manufacturer, the RapidLock system does away with temperature restrictions, has no VOCs or odors, offers wind uplift ratings comparable to traditional fully adhered single-ply systems and has a Factory Mutual 1-90 approval rating. The adhesive-free system also saves time and labor. www.CarlisleSynTec.com

High-Performance Adhesive/Sealant Anchors Rooftop Supports

Green Link offers a new adhesive/sealant designed for use with the company’s KnuckleHead Rooftop Support System. The product bonds and seals the KnuckleHead Universal Base and is effective on a wide range of roof surfaces. The new adhesive/sealant has been specially formulated to adhere to PVC, EPDM, TPO, and modified bitumen, as well as the KnuckleHead base itself, which is composed of glass-reinforced nylon. According to the company, it will not discolor from UV exposure, can be applied at temperatures as low as 32 degrees, and is capable of joint movement in excess of 35 percent. www.Greenlinkengineering.com

Cap Stapler OffersEasier Loading and Extended Tool Life

National Nail announces the upgraded 18-gauge Stinger CS150B cap stapler with an enhanced design that improves performance with easier loading, longer tool life, and tool-free adjustable exhaust. Shooting 200 caps and 200 staples before reloading, the versatile cap stapler now also provides a wider range of operating pressure (up to 120 psi) for installing roofing underlayments, house wrap, and foamboard. The Stinger CS150B shoots 5/8-inch, 7/8-inch, 1-1/4-inch, and 1-1/2-inch length 18-gauge staples with full 1-inch plastic caps. It also includes an installed belt hook and durable carrying case. www.Stingerworld.com

Composite Shake Shingles Offered in New Colors

DaVinci Roofscapes launches the Nature Crafted Collection of composite shake shingles, which includes three realistic, nature-inspired colors: Aged Cedar,Mossy Cedarand Black Oak.According to the manufacturer, each new color reflects different progressive aging processes found on real shake shingles. Each tile has been crafted to resist fire and impact, along with high winds, mold, algae, fungus and insects. The Nature Crafted Collection is available on all DaVinci Multi-Width and Single-Width Shake composite roofing tiles. www.DaVinciRoofscapes.com

Solar Mounting Platform Designed for Exposed Fastener Panels

S-5! introduces the SolarFoot, a mounting platform designed for exposed fastener metal roofing. With four points of attachment, it provides an ideal mounting platform to attach the L-Foot of a rail-mounted solar system or other ancillaries to the roof. According to the manufacturer, the SolarFoot ensures a durable, weathertight solution for the life of the solar system and the roof. Each piece contains two reservoirs of a factory-applied butyl co-polymeric sealant, allowing a water-tested seal. Simply peel the release paper from the butyl sealant and fasten through the predrilled holes in the base of the SolarFoot. www.S-5.com

3-D Modeling Tool Aids in Solar Design Projects

Aurora Solar Inc., a solar design software company, offers SmartRoof, a tool that allows anyone to accurately and easily model residential and commercial sites for solar projects. According to the company, SmartRoof intelligently infers the internal structure of a roof after a few clicks, reducing solar design time and difficulty.According to the company, SmartRoof requires just an outline of the perimeter of the roof to automatically infer its internal structure. It allows solar designers to drag and drop dormers into the model.The remote site modeling tool enables designers to intersect multiple roof structures, making modeling of complex roof structures significantly easier. www.AuroraSolar.com

Perforated Starter Shingle Designed to Save Time, Reduce Waste

TAMKO Building Products introduces the Perforated Starter shingle to its roofing product line. Made from fiberglass mat coated with asphalt and surfaced with ceramic granules, the Perforated Starter course shingle is the answer to roofing contractors need for an easy to install starter strip prior to shingle application. The perforation ensures that contractors no longer lose time field cutting shingles to the appropriate size while reducing related waste. The product can be used with TAMKO’s full line of asphalt shingles, including the Heritage series laminated asphalt shingles and Elite Glass-Seal 3-Tab shingles. www.TAMKO.com

Snow-Retention System Utilizes Snap-Fit Design

AceClamp offers the Color Snap, a patented snow-retention system that utilizes a snap-fit design. The product ships to roofers with fully assembled, ready-to-install components and snap-in ice clips. Color Snap is available for either standing seam metal roofing or membrane roofing with a variant of the product known as Color Snap-M. According to the company, both varieties offer greater installation flexibility, are easier to install, and help to reduce labor costs by minimizing preparatory tasks. www.AceClamp.com

Sheet Metal Brake Designed to Reduce Labor Costs

Roper Whitney releases the Autobrake 1212, which is designed to provide accuracy and repeatability when forming 12-gauge mill steel and 14-gauge stainless steel. It features the rotating Kombi beam, which expands the machine’s folding capabilities to produce straight to box and pan bending in just 11 seconds. The box tooling is 6.3 inches in height, precision ground and laser hardened to 60. Pieces are also laser etched with the length of the tool for easy box setup. Optional left-hand or right-hand back gauge extension provides superior material positioning. Maximum 12-foot back gauge travels in less than three seconds and is provided by the six-stage design combining high speed with compact space requirements. www.RoperWhitney.com

Modified Bitumen Products Can Now Be Applied in Colder Temperatures

CertainTeed’s Flintlastic SA (self-adhering) modified asphalt low-slope roof systems can now be installed in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the manufacturer, the products can be installed using an application method that is safe for both installers and building occupants, as it uses no kettles or flames and has no hazardous or noxious fumes. Roofing pros only need a hot air welder and silicone roller to complete installations in cold weather, and the change is designed to help alleviate costly weather delays while making a direct impact on roofing contractor’s bottom line. www.CertainTeed.com

Multi-Purpose Joint Sealant Adheres to Damp Surfaces

Kemper System AmericaInc.offers GreatSealPE-150, a single-component joint sealant designed for long-lasting weathertight seals. According to the manufacturer, it is ideal for sealing joints in roofing, walls and masonry, as well as gaps around penetrations, flashings, windows and doors. According to the company, the product adheres even on damp surfaces, can be applied in cold weather, and in most cases, without a primer. It bonds aggressively to most building materials, including wood, vinyl, glass, fiberglass, foam insulation, asphalt, modified bitumen, EPDM, PVC, PIB rubber, and Kynarcoatings, as well as painted, galvanized and anodized metals. www.Kempersystem.net

New Colors Available for Concrete Tile Line

Boral Roofing LLC introduces a set of new colors for its signature concrete roof tile line. Inspired by the beach landscape, the six new hues in the collection are particularly well suited to complement homes of the contemporary and transitional architectural styles, according to the manufacturer. The collection includes new colors Ashen Blend, Café Sand Blend, Mottled White Blend, Atmosphere Blend, Oceana Blend, and Beach Blonde Blend, with each shade reflecting an element commonly found at the seaside. The tile is low maintenance, offers a Class A fire rating, and is fully recyclable at the end of its life on the roof. www.Boralamerica.com/roofing

New Sealant and Patch Mastic Designed for Durability, Sustainability

Chem Link launches NovaLink FP, a flash and patch mastic product, available in a 10.1-ounce cartridge. NovaLink FP is a high-quality, moisture-curing elastomeric waterproofing and sealant designed to fill, seal and level grout lines, voids, seams and surface damage on construction materials prior to application of liquid waterproofing. According to the manufacturer, the product is also useful for repairing roof leaks, asphalt shingles, roof valleys and seams, chimney flashings and in emergency roof repair situations. www.ChemLink.com

Shingles Offer Time-Release Technology to Fight Algae Growth

Seeking to reduce the prevalence of unsightly shingle discoloration caused by blue-green algae growth, which impacts 80 percent of U.S. homes, GAF introduces StainGuard Plus Technology. According to the manufacturer, the company’s proprietary time-release copper ion technology releases 10 times as much stain-fighting copper as its traditional copper coated mineral granules to better resist the growth of algae. This technology is currently available on GAF’s Timberline Ultra HD Stainguard Plus labeled shingles and is backed by a 25-year limited warranty against blue-green algae discoloration. www.GAF.com

Fasteners Designed to Attach Sheeting Over Rigid Insulation

Triangle Fastener Corporation expands its line of BLAZER Drill Screws with new sizes designed to attach metal panels over rigid insulation. These unique screws have two different threads with a gap in between that eliminates jacking of the panel during installation. According to the manufacturer, the special 1/4-14 “high thread” under the screw’s head secures the metal panel tightly against the head for optimal seal. The screws have a BLAZER3 drill point for fast penetration with less effort and a TRI-SEAL spray coating for corrosion protection. They are available in lengths including: 1-7/8, 2-3/8, 3-1/4 and 4 inches. www.Trianglefastener.com

Hip and Ridge Product Offers Added Thickness

TAMKO Building Products Inc. introduces its new Heritage Designer Ridge asphalt shingle. Constructed with SBS modified bitumen technology, the high-profile ridge product is designed to add a look of polished sophistication to finish asphalt roofing projects with style, according to the manufacturer. Two layers of asphalt shingles are laminated together to produce the high-definition appearance of added dimension in the Heritage Designer Ridge, which is up to a half inch thicker than TAMKO’s standard Heritage hip and ridge product.The product is offered in 10-inch and 8-inch overlap. www.TAMKO.com

Storm Repair System Uses Shrink Wrapping Technology

Stormseal is a storm recovery system that protects damaged roofs or walls with a patented wind-, rain- and hail-resistant polyethylene film. The technology, pioneered in Australia, is now available in the United States. According to the manufacturer, Stormseal is designed to replace flapping, leaking, flyaway tarpaulins. The low-density patented polyethylene film is cut and fitted at the worksite with the heat “shrink wrapping” technique, changing the chemical structure of the film and enhancing its strength. www.Stormseal.com

New Electric Hoist Moves Operator Away From the Load

Safety Hoist Company launches its new electric material hoist, which moves the operator a safe distance away from the hoist and its load. According to the manufacturer, its unique pendant control makes this one of the safest hoists available today. The hoist runs on 110-volt electric household current, and its controlled descent enables safe, smooth transport both up and down. The electric hoist is quiet, environmentally-friendly, and free from harmful emissions, so it can be used both indoors and outdoors. It can handle up to 500 pounds without sacrificing speed or efficiency. www.SafetyHoistCompany.com

New Line of Fasteners Designed for Extreme Environments

The new 40-year Ply-Lo Extreme line of fasteners from East Coast Fasteners is designed for extreme environments. According to the manufacturer, Ply-Lo Extreme was successfully tested in accordance to ASTM B117 for more than 3,000 hours of salt spray. With all the features of the original Ply-Lo fastener, the Ply-Lo Extreme is available in #10, #12 and #14, with a 40-year warranty. www.Plyco.com

Adjustable Steep-Slope Roof Anchor Aids Ladder Access

The RIDGEPRO is a versatile and adjustable roof anchor that can be connected to the peak before stepping onto a steep-slope roof, allowing a safe transition on and off ladders on roofs with pitches ranging from 6/12 to 12/12. The innovative arch straddles ridge vents, and the adjustable, pitch-specific settings are designed to maximize contact between the product and the roof surface. Constructed from solid, aircraft-grade aluminum, it exceeds industry standard of 5,000-pound tensile strength test when anchored. www.TheRidgePro.com

Primer Adheres to Single-Ply Membranes

Everest Systems offers Everprime All Ply, a primer for various new and aged single-ply membranes. According to the manufacturer, this high-quality, plasticizer free, single component, solvent-based primer can be applied by a spray brush or a roller. The product is designed to provide exceptional adhesion to new and aged TPO and PVC membranes. In addition, this high-performance coating provides excellent surface for subsequent application of acrylic, 100 percent solids Silicone and fluoropolymer coatings. www.Everestsystemsco.com

Work Gloves Offer Advanced Fit, Safety and Comfort

PrimeSource Building Products offers GRX Gloves, a brand-new line of quality gloves designed to promote hand safety and offer value for American workers. According to the manufacturer, GRX Gloves offer workers the latest technology in comfort, fit and safety to deliver a range of tighter fitting, more breathable gloves for a variety of applications and weather conditions. The GRX glove line will be available through the PrimeSource network of pro-contractor supply location and pro-supply locations like 84 Lumber and BMC. www.PrimesourceBP.com

Retrofit Roof Drains Feature Integrated Vortex Breaker

OMG Roofing Products introduces a new line of retrofit roof drains called Hercules-Plus. The drains feature integrated vortex breaker technology, which helps improve drain performance to quickly remove water from the roof. According to the manufacturer, independent performance testing shows that Hercules-Plus RetroDrains provide up to 2.5 times greater flow capacity than original Hercules Drains without vortex breaker technology. Drains are available in four sizes: 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches and 6 inches, and with an optional TPO or PVC coated flange for direct membrane attachment. www.OMGRoofing.com

Conductive Primer Developed for Electronic Testing

Detec Systems has developed TruGround, a conductive primer which enables accurate electronic leak detection (ELD) testing on conventional roof membranes including black EPDM, TPO, PVC, modified bitumen, hot and cold fluid applied. According to the manufacturer, TruGround must be installed directly below the membrane per ASTM D7877. TruGround can be used for quality assurance testing on newly installed membranes and is chemically compatible with fully adhered, mechanically attached and torch-down membranes. Once applied, ELD testing can be performed for the life of the roof. Future breaches or seam voids can be quickly pinpointed, allowing repairs to be done immediately, preventing costly moisture damage from occurring. www.DetecSystems.com

MFM Building Products announces that its Ultra HT Wind & Water Seal high-temperature roofing underlayment can be used for vertical side wall applications. This self-adhering membrane is composed of a cool white, cross-laminated, high density polyethylene film laminated to a high-temperature rubberized asphalt adhesive system rated to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the manufacturer, this premium product is extremely tough, is self-sealing around fasteners and offers a 90-day UV exposure rating. The company states that Ultra HT is ideal for vertical applications under metal panel systems and parapet walls capped with metal tiles. Special installation instructions must be followed for all vertical applications. www.MFMbp.com

Gravity Vent Delivers Natural Ventilation

Acme Cone Company introduces a new gravity vent that delivers natural ventilation for buildings with single-ply roofs when windows and other ventilation solutions are not an option.The vent is available in standard sizes of 12, 18 and 24 inches in white, gray and tan. It is now available for order and immediate shipment.According to the company, contractors using Acme Cone’s prefabricated flashings benefit from more efficient and productive crews who aren’t spending unnecessary time flashing in the field. www.AcmeCone.com

Fluid-Applied Roofing System Available in New Colors

Tremco Roofing and Building Maintenancelaunches six new AlphaGuard BIO Top Coat colors: light gray, medium gray, dark gray, sand, beige and safety yellow. The line enables Tremco Roofing to better support its customers’ aesthetic and safety requirements on the company’s AlphaGuard BIO projects. AlphaGuard BIO, Tremco Roofing’s fluid-applied roofing system, is an excellent choice for restoring older but still functional roofs; both the Top Coat and Base Coat have received BioPreferred certification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.The new colors add to an already robust palette for AlphaGuard Top Coat, which includes such options as terra cotta, garnet and patina green. www.TremcoRoofing.com

Pitch Pans Can Be Used on Horizontal and Vertical Surfaces

The new ShapeShift line from Mule-Hide Products Co. Inc. is a single solution for creating pitch pans for use in virtually any low-slope roofing job, including with smooth modified bitumen systems and on both horizontal and vertical surfaces. The line — consisting of ShapeShift Pitch Pan straight and outside corner sections and MP Liquid Sealant — can be used with EPDM, TPO, PVC, metal, spray polyurethane foam (SPF), elastomeric acrylic coating, smooth modified bitumen and smooth built-up roofing systems. The straight and corner sections feature interlocking joints and snap together to form square and rectangular pitch pans 4 inches by 4 inches and larger. www.MuleHide.com

Ridge Vent Provides 15 Square Inches of Net Free Area Per Foot

Keene Building Products offers Viper Vent, a patented, lightweight ridge vent that provides 15 square inches of net free vent area per linear foot. According to the manufacturer, its double-density edge provides superior strength and rigidity, ensuring its ability to maintain a sleek finished look that makes it virtually invisible from the curb. The filter is manufactured with extra thick fibers, and the company states the UV resistant textile allows it to provide superior airflow over its lifetime. Viper Vent is available in a variety of lengths and can be applied on an asphalt, wood, tile, metal, or slate roof. www.KeeneBuilding.com

Dual-Component Extruder Minimizes Downtime

The Garlock Cyclone 5/15 Dual-Component Extruder is designed to significantly reduce the time and materials needed to adhere rigid insulation and cover boards to structural roof decks, as well as adhering fleece backed single-ply membranes in both new roofing and recover operations. The Cyclone equally dispenses a two-component, 1:1 ratio low viscosity polyurethane adhesive. Users can access connectors and load chemical containers from the front without kneeling or crouching, and the adjustable gun assembly and ergonomic design help reduce application errors and training time. www.GarlockEquip.com

National Nail has partnered with the GAF Roofing Academy’s “Hire A Hero” program to provide technical instruction to U.S. military veterans looking to become professional roofers. Launched nearly two years ago, the initiative has graduated more than 50 individuals with a 100 percen t placement rate. As part of this effort, National Nail, a leading manufacturer of fastening tools for roofing underlayment and house wrap, has provided STINGER CN100 pneumatic cap nailing tools for classroom training use and has committed to presenting a CN100 to every student upon their graduation from the program.

“There are unlimited opportunities in the roofing industry,” says Kenneth Garcy, a GAF Roofing Academy Instructor and a former member of the U.S. Army Special Operations for 22 years. “Many start the program with absolutely no roofing experience and we teach them the skills they need to transition from the military. For some soldiers who have experienced severe traumatic events, this is an absolute life-changer. We have excellent relationships with contractors throughout the nation. So far, every person who has graduated the program has received an offer for a professional roofing job.”

Garcy adds, “The academy is grateful for dedicated partners like National Nail, who provide the necessary training tools to help our students get off to a fresh start as professional roofers with their own STINGER CN100 cap nailer.”

“The GAF Roofing Academy is such a worthwhile endeavor that we jumped on the chance to participate as soon as we learned about it,” explains W. Scott Baker, CEO, National Nail. “Many of our veterans have the essential skills and the passion to transition to civilian life and this program provides a focus and learning opportunity. What better way to thank them for their service.”

The academy was launched as part of GAF’s “Hire a Hero” campaign in partnership with ProTrain andincludes four weeks of 144 hours of training taught six times per year. Presently taught at Joint Base Lewis McChord base, this is the only base in the nation that presently conducts this Career Skills Program, but they are working on expanding to Ft Bragg, NC. The course includes a comprehensive steep-slope roof training and introduction to commercial roofing, with hands-on hot air welding training emphasis; both are conducted on class training decks.

To date, National Nail has donated more than 50 STINGER CN100 pneumatic cap nailing tools to the GAF Roofing Academy. The CN100 is used by professional roofers nationwide due to its unmatched safety and speed, which reduces the time and labor needed to secure building envelopes. In addition to meeting or exceeding product warranties and codes, the CN100 weighs only 4.9lbs, shoots up to 5 nails per second, and has a tool-free depth adjustment. Stinger NailPac provides 200 nails and caps per load which allows for reloading at the same time. One 2,000 count carton of NailPac will cover approximately 25-30 square based on manufacturer’s required fastening pattern.

GAF has launched a visualizer tool to help sell its StreetBond Pavement coatings. Created by Chameleon Power, the leader in visualization technologies and GAF’s partner in roofing visualization tools, the StreetBond Visualizer assists customers with envisioning the outcome of their paving project prior to installation.

Users can select from a variety of different StreetBond coating colors and StreetPrint patterns, and apply to their own project photos or drawings. The tool also features a “Need Ideas?” button that gives the user some starting patterns and colors to help them in making design decisions. “GAF has utilized Chameleon technologies for nearly two decades, and continues to embrace our next generation tools and concepts,” said Dan Dempsey, President of Chameleon Power. “Visualization is a standard in the construction industry, and we are proud to partner with GAF to provide this experience to GAF customers.”

Chameleon Power visualizers shorten the design cycle and enhance customer satisfaction. Websites that utilize Chameleon visualizers enjoy increased user time of more than 3X and sales closure rates of more than 75 percent.

With the sunshine state regularly experiencing a beautiful and warm subtropical climate, it’s no surprise that Florida ranks second in the United States for tourism, ranking only behind California. However, actually living in this paradise has challenges of its own — extreme humidity, powerful winds and torrential rains can test the limits of any roofing system. To keep pace with Florida’s erratic weather conditions, proper roof design, installation and maintenance are paramount. The Topsail Residence, a private estate in Ponte Vedra Beach, is a testament to how selecting the right roofing system makes a world of difference.

Previously, the homeowners had an extensive addition on their property, which consisted of adding a new two-story section to the home. A short time after remodel, the roof began to leak, causing widespread damage as well as unsightly water spots throughout the home.

The homeowners sought the expertise of Pillar to Post Home Inspectors, who discovered issues with the roof. They quickly recognized such frequent and substantial leaking required immediate attention before other, bigger problems occurred. So, they suggested the homeowners contact a roofing contractor for a further assessment.

“After inspection, the problem immediately became apparent,” says Sean Shapiro, CEO of Reliant Roofing, the Jacksonville, Florida-based company hired to install the new roof. “We found torn shingles, signs of extensive foot and ladder traffic, and leaks.”

The roofing system appeared to lack some of the key components required for weather resilience and durability, according to Shapiro. “In some areas, there was no flashing installed whatsoever, allowing rainwater the perfect leak point to pour into the home,” Shapiro notes. “The problem was just as bad where the second story met the roof below. The water was free to run through every nook and cranny. Every aspect of a proper installation of a roofing system is important, especially something as essential as flashing.”

The contiguous U.S. average annual rainfall is 32.1 inches, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Jacksonville received 65.91 inches of rainfall in 2017 –more than double the contiguous national average, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Living only 22 miles southeast of the city, the homeowners needed a roofing system that would help to protect them against Florida’s high winds and frequent rainstorms. Reliant had the solution — a new asphalt shingle roof.

“The homeowners didn’t feel comfortable just patching the leaks. They wanted protection against future leaks and the area’s common threats: high winds and stormy weather,” Shapiro says. “Therefore, we recommended installing a completely new roofing system with designer asphalt shingles.”

Reliant began by tearing off the shingles on both the older and newer sections of the roof, bringing in two full teams to tackle all 10,600 square feet. Having dealt with numerous high-wind conditions on other roofing projects, Reliant chose GAF Grand Canyon Lifetime Designer Shingles in the color Stone Wood to provide the homeowners with a durable, long-lasting shingle, a key component of a beautiful new asphalt roofing system.

“When it storms in Florida, it storms,” added Shapiro. “We wanted to install a system that could withstand torrential downpours and high winds. Additionally, it was hard to overlook the durability shingles provided at an affordable cost.”

GAF Timbertex Premium Ridge Caps were installed on the hips and ridges to provide leak protection with extra dimensions to complement the roof. Reliant hand sealed every hip and ridge cap shingle and used GAF StormGuard Self-Adhering Leak Barrier to help protect the roof deck. Crews also installed custom counterflashing to address any potential defects in the stucco. Thanks to Reliant’s craftsmanship and the shingles’ ease of installation, the homeowners received a beautiful new asphalt roofing system in just five days.

The new asphalt roof will not only help to protect the homeowners against the elements and restore their comfort of living, but also provide them incredible curb appeal for years to come.

For their work on the Topsail Residence project, Reliant Roofing received the Quality Asphalt Roofing Case-Study (QARC) Silver Award from the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA).

Each year, ARMA seeks the most beautiful, affordable and reliable asphalt roofing systems in North America. The Topsail Residence showcases how asphalt roofing provides durability and reliability in the face of harsh weather, while also providing aesthetically stunning designs.

ARMA is now accepting low and steep-slope asphalt roofing projects completed in 2018 for its 2019 Awards Program. Roofing professionals may submit multiple submissions, and there is no fee to enter. The program recognizes projects that exhibit innovation, performance and beauty, and which lead the way in roofing breakthroughs, such as advanced weather protection, green roofing or unique system design. The submission deadline is December 31, 2018.

For more information about asphalt roofing systems or to learn more about ARMA’s Awards Program, visit www.asphaltroofing.org.

The three-story homes are built on narrow lots without a backyard, so the decision was made to offer a roof deck package to provide an area to enjoy the outdoors. Photo: The Grupe Company

More and more, builders, architects and designers are looking to the rooftop as an area for usable living space — especially in urban areas, where lots are narrow. For a new town home development in Sacramento, the idea to add rooftop decks emerged late in the design process, but it’s proved so popular the builders are not only glad they made the change — they are considering making it a standard feature in future projects.

Designed by Ellis Architects and built by The Grupe Company, the neighborhood is known as 20 PQR. “The project fronts on 20th street in mid-town Sacramento and runs from P Street down to R Street,” notes Ron Rugani, vice president and purchasing manager for Grupe. “Q Street runs down the middle of the project, so that’s how we came up with the name 20 PQR.”

The 32 town homes are arranged in four groups of eight. The three-story residences have two different floor plans, one with 1,750 square feet and the other 1,850 square feet. “It’s an interesting concept,” Rugani says. “They are really considered single-family homes. They have their own lot, and they are detached from the next unit. There is a 6-inch space between the units, and they don’t share a common wall. However, the way we trim out that space, on the top and sides, you would view the eight units as one building, but they are actually eight individual single-family detached town homes.”

The narrow lots left no room for a yard, so that’s what inspired the idea to create usable outdoor space on the roof. “If you can imagine the urban setting — the fronts of these units are right on the city sidewalk. All of the units have two-car garages in the back and are accessible through a common alley. But there is no outdoor living space, and so that’s essentially what’s driving these roof decks,” Rugani says. “The backyard is where people are going to have outdoor living in a typical single-family home, and the rooftop deck is where they are going to have outdoor living in a town-home setting.”

The low-slope roofs were designed with internal drains and parapet walls. A GAF TPO roof system was specified. When the decision was made to add the rooftop living area, Ellis Architects recommended installing rubber roof deck tiles from sofSURFACES on top of the TPO roof. “The architect steered us in this direction because they liked the product,” notes Rugani. “After the roofer installs his regular TPO roof, it gets inspected to make sure there are no leaks before the roof deck tiles are installed. It’s a really unique product. It allows water to go through to the TPO roof for drainage. It has an excellent warranty, and so we have a long-term warranty for the entire roof system.”

Applying the Roof System

The TPO roof system was installed by PetersenDean Roofing and Solar, Fremont, California. “We are a roofing subcontractor for Grupe on several projects in the Northern California area,” says Mark Vogel, president of PetersenDean’s Builder Division. “We have built a great relationship with them over the years.”

Photo: sofSURFACES

There was approximately 900 square feet of roof area on each structure. PetersenDean crews mechanically attached the 60-mil GAF EverGuard TPO membrane over quarter-inch Georgia-Pacific DensDeck roof board and rigid insulation. “It is a flat roof with low slope conditions,” Vogel says. “This is absolutely a great system for this type of work.”

The parapet walls greatly simplified the safety plan, but safety is never taken for granted, according to Vogel. “We have 22 safety engineers nationwide, with 14 in California,” he says. “Safety is our biggest concern, and we invest to ensure we send everyone home at night. Our workers are considered our most valuable asset and we strive to maintain a world-class safety culture. Having a skilled and talented workforce that truly cares about safety drives everything that we do.”

Everything on the project went smoothly, notes Vogel. “It was not tough to coordinate the work with the other trades,” he says “It is what we do, and there is no one better. We are a full-service roofing contractor and solar power installer. We handle estimating, design, permitting, and installation for roofing and solar roofing systems for all our clients and this project is a great example of this.”

Installing the Roof Tiles

The deck area on each roof encompassed approximately 700 square feet. The interlocking duraSTRONG tiles are made from recycled rubber and are ideal for outdoor rooftops, walkways and patio projects, notes Chris Chartrand, director of marketing for sofSURFACES. “This space was ideal for our product as the rooftops are flat and have proper slope with a contained edge,” Chartrand says. “The design allows for efficient drainage of surface water.”

The low-slope roofs were covered with a TPO roof system manufactured by GAF, and the deck areas were topped with interlocking rubber paving tiles from sofSURFACES. Photo: sofSURFACES

The tiles were applied by a manufacturer-certified installer, Leonard’s Construction of Fontana, California. “Coordinating delivery and installation of our product within Grupe’s required timelines was a fairly easy task, as we were the last phase of the project,” notes Chartrand.

Paulo Carrillo, installation supervisor, typically installs the product in gyms and playground areas, but recently he’s found himself doing a lot of work on terraces and rooftops. After the roof system was completed on the homes at 20 PQR, a second sheet of TPO membrane was installed as a protective barrier. “We chalked our lines on that,” Carrillo notes. “We measure out the whole rooftop and chalk it off into a 2-foot-by-2-foot grid. Every other square is a keystone — those are the tiles that we put in first that hold everything in line.”

After the keystones are glued in place, the crews cut pieces to fit along the perimeter and then begin to add tiles in strategic lines. After those tiles cure, tiles are laid in opposite directions, both horizontally and diagonally. “We do it step by step,” Carrillo notes. “When we put the final squares in at the end, they are all interlocked together. After we do the final step, we glue each seam, so everything is 100 percent glued.”

The tiles all interlock, and compression allows for expansion and contraction. “Every tile is 24-1/8 inches, but they go into a 24-inch space,” Carrillo explains. “They are all compressed. With any perimeter cuts, we add another 1/8 of an inch to get our compression.”

Stacking the Deck

According to Rugani, Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the 20 PQR have been completed and are sold out, while Phase 3 and Phase 4 are currently under construction.

The interlocking duraSTRONG tiles are made from recycled rubber. They are designed for use on rooftops, walkways and patio projects, as well as gyms and playground areas. Photo: sofSURFACES

Originally the roof deck area was offered as an option, but it’s proved so desirable all of the units in the last phase are being built with decks. “It’s been an interesting dynamic,” says Rugani. “When we started, we weren’t sure how many people would want this option. For the first phase, we had to spec those, so, we said, let’s build six of the eight with the roof deck. It started to gain in popularity, and the price didn’t seem to be an issue, so in the last phase, we said, let’s build them all. It’s become very popular.”

Based on the success of the roof decks at 20 PQR, Grupe is exploring roof deck options for other projects in development. “We are building a mid-rise apartment complex just a few blocks away, and we said from the get-go in that project that we are going to have some type of roof deck for outdoor living space for the tenants,” Rugani says. “For that project we did develop a rooftop deck, and I believe that is going to be the M.O. moving forward in any project we do. Otherwise there might be no place for tenants to gather on site and have some outdoor living space. It makes perfect sense to go to the roof. So, yes, I see this as a trend, especially in urban settings.”

In the 20 PQR project, the homes were not originally designed with roof decks, and the decision made to add them later meant a lot of extra time and work for engineers and architects. “A lot of people might walk away from that and say it is too much work,” Rugani says. “We said, this is something we need to do, and it’s going to benefit the people who buy it. We were happy in the end that we spent the time and effort to do it.”

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March/April 2019

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About Roofing

Roofing is a national publication that unravels, investigates and analyzes how to properly design, install and maintain a roof system. Through the voices of professionals in the field, Roofing’s editorial provides a unique perspective.